Private Charles Connelley

Service Number: 11823

6th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment

Killed in Action 9th August 1915

Husband of Mrs. Connelly, 8 Old Hall Street, Burnley

From the Express & Advertiser 4th September 1915:  "LIKE A HERO" Burnley Private's Death

Mrs. Connelly of 8 Old Hall Street, Burnley, has received a private intimation that her husband Pte. Charles Connelly of the 6th Batt. East Lancashire Regiment, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles.  Writing on August 17th, Company Sergt. Major Hugh Kelly said: - "I take the trouble to inform you of the death of your husand Charles.  The whole company mourns his loss.  He died like a hero, and you should be proud to have been the wife of such a man.  I knew him for a good number of years and also knew his disposition.  Before he joined my company I had not seen him for twenty years, and I must say I was proud of him as a soldier.  He was little and good, and one who would not give in.  Please accept my sympathy and that of the whole of his whole comrades in arms, who will in no doubt avenge his death".

Pte. Connelly was at one time in the Royal Lancaster Special Reserve, and re-enlisted on the outbreak of war.  His wife is left with one child.

Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli: Panel 114 to 118